Tigo Senegal to launch HSPA+ network

Tigo Senegal, a unit of Millicom International Cellular (MIC), has confirmed it is looking to launch a 3.5G mobile network in the country based on HSPA+ technology and capable of delivering maximum download speeds of 21Mbps. Agence Ecofin reports that the cellco signed a supply contract with an as yet unnamed vendor in April this year, and that deployment of the new system is already underway. Upon completion, Tigo says HSPA+ services will be available in 177 new areas, covering 14 administrative regions of Senegal, an improvement on its existing footprint, which numbers over 300 cell sites. By October 2013 the carrier hopes to have covered Dakar and its environs, with the area of Touba set to be added in December 2013 – a total of 310 settlements. Tigo has invested more than XOF25 billion (USD49.4 million) in the renovation and expansion of its network.